Show Me Today - The Voice of Missouri

A new survey shows strong demand for afterschool programs in Missouri, but most families cannot access them. Alisa Nelson talks to Jen Rinehart, with the Washington, D.C.-based Afterschool Alliance, to find out what’s causing the accessibility problems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Halloween is coming up fast/has arrived! Kids in costumes will be hitting the streets in search of candy, while many adults will be hitting the parties. Marshall Griffin spoke with Lieutenant Eric Brown of the Missouri State Highway Patrol on how to make sure your Halloween is a safe one. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...

Chinese mystery snail populations have been documented in nearly a dozen waterways in Missouri. The snails reproduce very quickly, raising concerns about the impact on other native species in waterways. Show Me Today welcomes Missouri’s expert on the subject, Malacologist Stephen McMurray. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do...

Missouri has seen its highest West Nile Virus activity in years, and health officials say it's not just the numbers that are concerning. Show Me Today reporter Matt Pilger sits down with Missouri State Epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze to talk about what’s driving the surge, why blood donor infections are raising red flags, and how prevention is still our best defense. See Privacy Policy at ht...

The Trump Administration has been revoking the visas of college students around the country for a variety of reasons. Alisa Nelson talks to Dawn Medley, the Vice President of Enrollment Management at Missouri State University, who says international student enrollment is down by double digits – affecting the university’s bottom line. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...

There have been reports in local media outlets across Missouri that insurance companies are canceling or not renewing policies for homeowners with storm damage. Marshall Griffin talked about it with Angela Nelson, Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-i...

Blood clots often strike without warning, and when they do, the results can be deadly. They’re among the top causes of preventable death worldwide, but many Missourians don’t realize they may already be at risk. Dr. Heidi Miller, Chief Medical Officer for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, joins us to explain what causes blood clots, how to recognize the warning signs, and...

Big games, big celebrations, and big opportunities: Missouri is gearing up for a tourism boom in 2026. From the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City to historic milestones like the Route 66 anniversary and America 250, Lt. Governor David Wasinger says the state is preparing to welcome the world. Show Me Today reporter Matt Pilger caught up with him after the recent Governor’s Conf...

After a dramatic double-overtime win at Auburn that pushed Missouri to 6-1 and bowl eligible, the Tigers now turn their focus to a rising Vanderbilt team. Bill Pollock caught up with KMIZ-TV Sports Director Nathalie Jones to break down Beau Pribula’s performance, the offensive line’s recent struggles, and what’s at stake for Eli Drinkwitz as Mizzou hits the road looking to stay perfect against the...

Seven Missouri Head Start centers are receiving nearly two million total dollars in federal funding for improvements and educational resources. Alisa Nelson talks to Daphne Graham, Health and Nutrition Coordinator at Ozark Action Head Start in West Plains, who says the organization is one of Missouri’s Head Start locations receiving some funding.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...

A Missouri-made bourbon is turning heads around the world. Stowloch Whiskey, crafted by Stone Ledge Distillery in Defiance, has earned a Gold Medal and a 95-point score at the 2025 Asia International Spirits Competition.  Hear how this small-town distillery made a big mark on the global stage in our Show Me Today  conversation with Mark Sutherland of Stone Ledge. See Privacy Policy at ht...

Missouri has over 1.3 million residents who are eligible for Medicare. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program has seen that number climb, due to aging Baby Boomers. The enrollment period is October 15th through December 7th. Missouri’s SHIP program offers free advice to residents who have questions about Medicare.  Scott Miniea, with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program,...

An educational program designed to teach fourth-graders all about the Missouri River is thriving. Marshall Griffin talked with Kristen Schulte, Education Director for Missouri River Relief, about Missouri River Days. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

When John Wilkinson was a little boy, he snuck out of his house to meet the future King of Rock-n-Roll Elvis Presley. The young Wilkinson had a strong critique of Elvis’ guitar abilities. Years later, their paths crossed again, and Wilkinson became Elvis’s rhythm guitarist. Oh yeah, Elvis remembered the young boy’s advice.  Sean FitzGibbons from the Museum on the Square in Springfield sh...

The federal government has approved a ban on soda for food stamp recipients in at least one dozen states. Alisa Nelson talks to Jill Birnbaum, with the American Heart Association, about whether Missouri could be next. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Missouri got a slam dunk of entertainment recently as the Harlem Wizards brought their high-flying, crowd-pleasing basketball show to mid-Missouri for a series of charity games. Show Me Today reporter Matt Pilger caught up with Rasahaan “Rocket” Barner—one of the Wizards—to talk about the team’s mission, their time in Missouri, and how they use basketball to bring communities together. See Privacy...

Missouri’s craft brew industry pumps more than one billion dollars into the state’s economy each year. The state's 170-plus craft brewers employ thousands of people and produced 300-thousand barrels of beer last year. This year, however, they tell Show Me Today there have been some challenges. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p...

The Show-Me ID app has expired. It was used by restaurants, convenience stores, and other businesses that sell alcoholic beverages to check and see if a person’s photo ID was real or fake. Marshall Griffin talked with the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Mike O’Connell about what the state is doing now to replace the Show-Me ID app. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a...

 As the federal government shutdown stretches on, what does it mean for Missouri’s airports? Columbia Regional Airport Manager Michael Parks joins Show Me Today to talk about how his airport is holding up, what travelers should keep in mind, and why the ripple effects could still reach Mid-Missouri. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missourians to stay alert for the state's black bear population as winter approaches. Especially in the southern area of the state, bears have been spotted near trail areas rummaging for pre-hibernation meals. Bill Pollock speaks with wildlife damage biologist Josh Wisdom to address ways to be "bear aware" on Show Me Today. See Privacy Policy at http...

Columbia has one of the highest crime rates in Missouri. University of Missouri President Mun Choi spoke out, saying Columbia has a crime crisis. Now, law enforcement agencies are working together to address the problems, but is the mayor’s office cooperating? Alisa Nelson and Matt Pilger from Missourinet join Bill Pollock to explain the actions being taken to handle the rise in crime. See Privacy...

Our financial tips expert, Kimberly Palmer from NerdWallet, says the final months of the year are the perfect time to step back and review your financial progress and goals. From maximizing your 401(k) and making charitable contributions to choosing the right health care coverage, these next two months can make a big difference in your financial outlook. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Everyone Knows Someone,”  a reminder that abuse can touch every community. Dawn Kuhlman, executive director of MARCH, joins Show Me Today  to share her personal experiences and discuss why domestic violence doesn’t discriminate, why victim blaming persists, and how both women and men can find safety and support throu...

There’s something about a foggy Ozarks night that stirs the imagination, especially when mysterious lights start dancing across the hills. Barbara Baird, known to readers as  The Accidental Ozarkian , has tracked down one of those old legends. The Will o’ the Wisp is a ghostly light said to haunt the backroads and hollers of Missouri. She joins us to talk about her own brush with the supernat...

 The $2.8 billion project to expand Interstate Highway 70 to six total lanes across Missouri has the potential for widespread benefits to the state’s economy. Chris Azevedo, economics professor at the University of Central Missouri, explains all that with Missourinet’s Marshall Griffin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#...